From Our Correspondent
MAWKYRWAT, Nov 8: A sensitisation programme on ‘Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace’ was organized by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) of South West Khasi Hills, in collaboration with the office of the Deputy Commissioner and the office of the Superintendent of Police, at the Conference Hall of the District and Sessions Court here.
The programme aimed to raise awareness among the Internal Complaints Committee and Local Complaints Committee established under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act. The objective was to sensitise these committees about their responsibilities when handling complaints of sexual harassment and the appropriate steps to take.
Addressing the gathering, the District and Sessions Judge of South West Khasi Hills, M Skhemlon, explained that the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, is a legislation enacted by the Centre to address the issue of sexual harassment faced by women in the workplace.
The Act aims to create a safe and conducive work environment for women and provide protection against sexual harassment.
It places a legal obligation on employers to prevent and prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. Employers must constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) at each workplace with 10 or more employees to receive and address complaints of sexual harassment.
Employers are also required to undertake awareness programmes, provide a safe working environment, and display information about the PoSH Act at the workplace. The Chief Judicial Magistrate of South West Khasi Hills District, D. Sohtun, in her presentation, discussed the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.
This included various aspects such as sexual harassment under the POSH Act, prevention of sexual harassment, internal complaint committee, local complaints committee, procedures for filing complaints, procedures for inquiry, punishments for sexual harassment, penalties for malicious complaints or false evidence, consequences under the POSH Act, and the duties of employers, among others.
